Sunday, June 7, 2015

EXPLOSION, FIRE AT EASTMAN CHEMICAL RESINS, INC. IN JEFFERSON HILLS PROMPTED OFFICIALS TO ORDER ELIZABETH BOROUGH, PA RESIDENTS TO STAY IN THEIR HOMES




JUNE 7, 2015

JEFFERSON HILLS, PA

An explosion and subsequent fire at Eastman Chemical Resins, Inc. in Jefferson Hills late Saturday night prompted officials to order Elizabeth Borough residents to stay in their homes for a brief time.
According to an Eastman Chemical spokesperson, the small explosion and fire occurred in an operating unit inside the plant about 11:30 p.m.

In the aftermath, a follow-up statement was issued about 1:30 a.m. Sunday on behalf of the Elizabeth Borough Fire Department.

"The incident at Eastman Chemicals in Jefferson Borough is under control. Air monitoring of the area has been conducted and no hazardous levels were detected. The shelter in place order for Elizabeth Borough has been lifted. All residents may resume normal activities."

***Shelter in place lifted*** for all areas surrounding Eastman Chemical in Jefferson boro Allegheny county.....air quality tested clear
— PGH Metro Fire Alert (@SWPAFireAlerts) June 7, 2015
#Police & #firefighters on scene of explosion at Eastman chemical factory in Jefferson Hills. #WPXI#PGH#Pittsburghpic.twitter.com/zhcwjhJfCI
— Tony Ruffolo (@WPXITonyRuffolo) June 7, 2015

The follow-up statement came roughly 90 minutes after the first statement, which was sent on Saturday just before midnight.

"Due to an incident at Eastman Chemicals in Jefferson Borough, all residents of Elizabeth Borough are to Shelter In Place in their homes. All residents should remain in their homes at this time. Please monitor media outlets for additional instructions as needed."

****SHELTER IN PLACE ORDERED**** FOR PEOPLE DOWNWIND FROM THE EXPLOSION @ EASTMAN CHEMICAL | MAIN CONCERN FOR WEST ELIZABETH
— PGH Metro Fire Alert (@SWPAFireAlerts) June 7, 2015

No one was injured by the explosion or fire, and no adverse offsite impacts are anticipated, the Eastman Chemical spokesperson said.
The cause and extent of damage are being evaluated.

Eastman Chemical’s Jefferson Hills plant produces hydrocarbon resins and dispersions that are used in adhesives, rubber and plastic compounding, coatings, sealants and plastic modification.
 Source:abc3news.com